I am so sorry this is the situation you have to deal with. I have few friends but those that I allowed to remain my friends know the deal. My family knows the deal. They know they have to slow down if they choose to walk with me, when they start to walk too fast I just tell them I will meet you back at the front of where ever we are. lol It works every time.

They are all aware that if I have to go to a public place that is busy and may cause too much stimulation to my senses, I must take medication for my anxiety first. We had company over spring break, they had 3 children. They completely understood and expected me to disappear to my room when it became too much.

I explain the heat issues, the sensory issues, the mobility problems, and anything else like my anxiety and panic disorders. If they don't understand how it is easier to handle things at my house then I feel sorry for their close-minded ness.

It is hard when others don't get it despite you trying to explain the effect of being out like that has on your well being. I am fortunate to be surrounded by people who understand my limitations and work with it. The people who just couldn't understand or accept that I had to back out on plans last minute are just not part of my circle of friends, which has gotten really small since being diagnosed (surprise, surprise ).

Most of my outings are close to home and is never an all day thing if it doesn't entail going to someone's house. And, I prefer to go to someone's house where I can leave if it gets to be too much. If I am hosting/entertaining at my house, I don't have that option to leave my guests to take a nap or break. Keep in mind, the people's houses that I go to most often are family and friends who understand if I need to leave or need to go lay down and rest (they all have offered and I know where I can go rest if need be). It is very, very rare that I am at someone's house that I don't know well enough.